Benitez has a go at Spurs over Keane

HE TOOK a beating for his team’s form after he launched his verbal attack on the Premier League’s heaviest hitter last month, but yesterday Rafa Benitez took aim at one of its duckers and divers when the Liverpool boss criticised Tottenham and Harry Redknapp over their handling of the Robbie Keane affair.

While reminding the assembled press of Tottenham’s much-publicised complaints regarding Liverpool’s behaviour when they were courting the striker six months ago, the Spaniard accused the player’s former club of hypocrisy now that they wanted him back.

On the Ireland international’s future, though, he sent out decidedly mixed messages, insisting first that he still sees a bright future for him at Anfield, then strongly suggesting he would consider any decent offer.

“We have not decided yet whether we will take this further, it depends on their response,” he said in relation to Redknapp’s informal expressions of interest in Keane. “We have said to Spurs that we are not happy with them because of the comments from their manager about Robbie. I do not think that they have come in with an offer.

“I think he is a long-term part of our plans and I hope he scores a lot of goals” he continued. “We were very, very correct when we signed Robbie, even though Spurs were complaining. Now we have this situation to deal with.

“But Robbie has been fine. Spurs wanted the player but they had to do things properly. They have to make an official offer and we will say yes or no. You must do things properly, especially when you have complained about everybody when he first joined us.”

Doubts about the Irish skipper’s future were heightened last weekend when he was left out of the squad for the FA Cup game against Everton. He returned to the panel in midweek, replacing Steven Gerrard late on in the draw at Wigan, and he is in the panel for tomorrow’s clash with Chelsea.

Shay Given, meanwhile, was holding talks with Manchester City on personal terms yesterday even though Newcastle United have still to agree a fee for his transfer. That he was granted permission to meet City officials, though, was further evidence his employers are resigned to losing him before the transfer deadline.

Gordon Strachan paid tribute to the “great ability, drive and enthusiasm” displayed by Willo Flood during his time at Dundee United after the 23-year-old Dubliner completed his move to Celtic.

Flood has signed a two-and-a-half year deal.

Hull striker Caleb Folan has withdrawn from the Ireland squad for next month’s World Cup qualifier against Georgia. The 26-year-old, who has just returned to action following knee surgery, informed Giovanni Trapattoni that he does not feel ready to play at Croke Park on February 11th.

“I won’t be going over there, it’s still a bit too soon,” said Folan yesterday. “I’ve spoken to Trapattoni and he believes I’ll still be very much in his plans. I’m just hoping I can get my fitness right and be ready for the coming Ireland games.”